Telford youth club scores £24,000 charity boost for sports activities
A Telford youth club is celebrating after winning a £24,000 boost from Children in Need to fund sports activities for disabled youngsters.
The grant awarded to the Lakeside Lions, based at the Lord Silkin School, in Stirchley, will pay for equipment and staff to support sporting activites which benefit not only disabled students, but other youngsters in the community.
As well as funding two part-time disability sports coaches and a part-time lifeguard post, it will also help pay for pupils' transport and entry fees for the National Wheelpower Games.
Sandra Davies is chairwoman of the Lakeside Lions, based at the Lord Silkin School's sports centre.
She said: “We are thrilled to have received not one but three years of funding to help us continue providing a vital service to our sporting disabled youngsters.
“Our club addresses the needs and aspirations of a group of disabled children to participate in sport by developing their physical abilities, extending their potential and increasing their self-confidence. We also give support to parents and carers.”
Although there is a core group of 11 physically disabled children benefiting from the funding, an able-bodied group of children also enjoy club activities, including basketball once a week where all players take part in a wheelchair.
Sandra said: “This type of activity helps level the playing field and builds mutual respect between the children taking part. The funding means we are able to give physically disabled children in our community the opportunity to participate and compete in sports often more associated with the able-bodied, and also opportunities for children with social and emotional problems, who don't normally engage with club sport, to do so with confidence.”
Activities run by the Lakeside Lions include a multi-sports club, swimming and hydrotherapy sessions and wheelchair basketball. Youngsters are also coached in a range of sports including table cricket, kurling and athletics.
Headteacher at the Lord Silkin School, Trevor Goddard, said: “We are delighted the Lakeside Lions has received this funding, which will help change the youngsters' self-perception by defining them in terms of abilities and skills rather than their disabilities.”
The youngsters will be encouraged to compete locally, regionally and nationally in wheelchair basketball, inclusive zone basketball, boccia, table cricket and athletics. They will attend the afternoon sports sessions for coaching and training.
They will also have the opportunity to demonstrate some of their sports at events such as Sports Conferences and Disabled Living exhibitions.
